Visa

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COVID-19

National Interest Exceptions to Travel Ban Expended to H-1B and L-1 Employees

In July 2020, the Department of State announced that certain business and student travelers may apply for a National Interest Exception (“NIE”). The NIE allows such travelers to travel to the United States even with the travel bans remaining in effect.…

Jenny ZhanAugust 17, 2020

Immigration L-1 Visa

What does the Presidential Proclamation on L visas mean for my application? Can I still apply for an L visa at a U.S. Consulate? Can I apply for L-1 status from within the US?

On June 22, 2020, a Presidential Proclamation was issued that impacts the ability of certain visa holders to enter the United States. Under this proclamation anyone who was outside the United States as of June 24, 2020 and did not…

Jenny ZhanAugust 17, 2020

Questions & Answers

Can I study in the U.S. on a B-2 tourist visa?

B-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa for temporary visitors who want to visit the United States for pleasure. Please note that if you qualify for ESTA, you can come to the U.S. as a Visa Waiver Visitor and you do not have to…

Jenny ZhanAugust 17, 2020

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Approvals

TN Approval for Lawyer at San Ysidro Port of Entry

We just had a Canadian TN approval at the San Ysidro port of entry at the U.S. and Mexico border. The applicant was granted the visa for 3 years under the lawyer category. Mexican nationals applying for TN visas must…

Jenny ZhanAugust 17, 2020

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H-1B and E-3 Visa Immigration

Trump Signs Executive Order Reviewing Federal Contractor and Subcontractor Use of Nonimmigrant Workers

On August 3, the Trump Administration signed an executive order that ordered the review of federal contractor and subcontractor’s use of nonimmigrant workers and overseas labor on federal contracts. The purpose of the executive order is to determine whether U.S.…

Jenny ZhanAugust 11, 2020

E-2 Visa Immigration Investor Visas

E-2 Visa Reciprocity Increased for Mexican Nationals for a Higher Fee

The amount of time an E-2 visa can be granted for and the cost of issuing said visa varies by country and depends on the agreement (the legal term is reciprocity) between the applicant’s country and the United States. Some…

Jenny ZhanAugust 11, 2020

Immigration News

USCIS to Increase Application Fees

The Department of Homeland Security has announced new application fees that will take effect on October 2, 2020. This new announcement will increase the application fees for most application types. USCIS is a for profit agency that uses application fees…

Jenny ZhanAugust 10, 2020

Approvals

B-2 Extension approval for a Cohabitating Parent of a Temporary Worker

We just had an B-2 extension approval with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration services for a cohabitating parent of a temporary worker. Certain family members who are not eligible for dependent visas may be granted B-2 visas and subsequent B-2 extensions…

Jenny ZhanAugust 3, 2020

Immigration

I am getting married, and I want to help my partner and future spouse obtain a green card. What are my options?

When determining how to best help your spouse or potential spouse obtain a Green Card, we must first determine your current immigration status; whether you are currently married and where your spouse or potential spouse is currently residing. I am…

Jenny ZhanJuly 28, 2020

News

USCIS’ Planned Furlough of Employees Delayed Until August 31

USCIS announced on Friday that it has delayed it planned furlough of 70% of its employees for another month until August 31. USCIS wants to give Congress more time to act on the agency’s $1.2 billion emergency funding request. Since…

Jenny ZhanJuly 28, 2020

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H-1B and E-3 Visa Immigration

E-3 visa questions and answers

The E-3 visa category was established in 2005 and the E-3 visa is a great visa option for Australian professionals who want to come to the U.S. to perform services in a specialty occupation. Please note that the E-3 visa…

Jenny ZhanJuly 24, 2020

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Extraordinary Ability Immigration

How do I prove the O-1B criterion that I have a record of major commercial or critically acclaimed success?

The O-1B visa is for foreign nationals (aliens) who have demonstrated extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry. To qualify for an O-1B visa, you will have to submit…

Jenny ZhanJuly 24, 2020

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COVID-19

Huge Backlog in Green Card and Work Authorization Card Production

In June 2020, USCIS ended an outside contract with a company that produced secure cards such as green cards and employment authorization cards. USCIS has moved this service to its internal employees. However, given the reduced number of workers due…

Jenny ZhanJuly 23, 2020

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Questions & Answers

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS is a Student and Exchange Visitor Identification System that is managed by SEVP (“Student and Exchange Visitor Program”). It is part of the National Security Investigation Division and collects certain information about visitors who are coming to the U.S.…

Jenny ZhanJuly 23, 2020

Approvals

O-1 approval with USCIS for a Experiential Designer

We just had an O-1B approval with USCIS for an experiential designer. The applicant works for a specialized marketing agency and was granted a 3 year extension. Although O-1 extensions are often granted for 1 year if the applicant is…

Jenny ZhanJuly 22, 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: Department of State Announces Certain Exceptions to Travel Ban

The Department of State announced on July 16, 2020 travel ban exceptions to certain business travelers, investors, treaty traders, academics, and students. These travel ban exceptions apply to residents from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland. Due to the…

Jenny ZhanJuly 21, 2020

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Immigration News

August Visa Bulletin Significant Advances in Employment Based Categories

In the August 2020 visa bulletin, there is significant advances in most employment visa categories. In EB-1, China advanced almost six months to February 8, 2018, India advanced nine month to February 8, 2018. EB-2 for China advanced two months…

Jenny ZhanJuly 21, 2020

E-2 Visa Immigration Investor Visas

I am in the U.S. on an E-2 visa and I need to extend mine and my family’s E-2 status. What is the process?

An E-2 visa is a great option if you want to start a business in the U.S., you have invested a substantial amount of money in the U.S. or you are in the processing of investing the money, and you…

Jenny ZhanJuly 21, 2020

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COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: United Kingdom Embassy and Consulate to Resume Visa Processing

Announced on July 20, 2020, the U.S. Embassy in London will resume visa processing on July 27, 2020 and the Belfast Consulate General will resume visa processing on August 3, 2020. Visa services will resume in phases, the first phase…

Jenny ZhanJuly 20, 2020

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COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: U.S. Consulates and Embassies to Begin Phased Resumption of Routine Visa Services

On July 13, the U.S. Department of State announced that embassies and consulates around the world will gradually resume routine nonimmigrant and immigrant visa services. Each consular post will begin routine visa services on its own timeline, depending on the…

Jenny ZhanJuly 15, 2020

Immigration News

ICE Rescinds International Student Visa Policy

As Colleges and University announce their course work for next semester, some schools have changed their schedules to all online courses for students due to the COVID pandemic. As a result, ICE and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)…

Jenny ZhanJuly 14, 2020

COVID-19

Update on USCIS Furlough of Employees

USCIS has issued furlough notices to 70% of its workforce at the end of June. USCIS is a for profit agency that uses application fees to fund the agency and its employees. At the current moment, there are approximately 20,000…

Jenny ZhanJuly 13, 2020

News

California Sues Trump Administration Over International Student Visa Ban

The California Attorney General has sued the Trump administration last Thursday seeking to block the recent student visa rule. As Colleges and University announce their course work for next semester, some schools have changed their schedules to all online courses…

Jenny ZhanJuly 13, 2020

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Extraordinary Ability Immigration

How can I prove that I was a lead/starring participant in productions or events that have distinguished reputation?

Jenny ZhanJuly 9, 2020

Immigration News

ICE Announces that International Students on F-1 Visas will Lose their Visas if their Coursework is Entirely Online

Jenny ZhanJuly 8, 2020

National Interest Exceptions to Travel Ban Expended to H-1B and L-1 Employees

What does the Presidential Proclamation on L visas mean for my application? Can I still apply for an L visa at a U.S. Consulate? Can I apply for L-1 status from within the US?

Can I study in the U.S. on a B-2 tourist visa?

TN Approval for Lawyer at San Ysidro Port of Entry

Trump Signs Executive Order Reviewing Federal Contractor and Subcontractor Use of Nonimmigrant Workers

E-2 Visa Reciprocity Increased for Mexican Nationals for a Higher Fee

USCIS to Increase Application Fees

B-2 Extension approval for a Cohabitating Parent of a Temporary Worker

I am getting married, and I want to help my partner and future spouse obtain a green card. What are my options?

USCIS’ Planned Furlough of Employees Delayed Until August 31

E-3 visa questions and answers

How do I prove the O-1B criterion that I have a record of major commercial or critically acclaimed success?

Huge Backlog in Green Card and Work Authorization Card Production

What is SEVIS?

O-1 approval with USCIS for a Experiential Designer

Coronavirus Update: Department of State Announces Certain Exceptions to Travel Ban

August Visa Bulletin Significant Advances in Employment Based Categories

I am in the U.S. on an E-2 visa and I need to extend mine and my family’s E-2 status. What is the process?

Coronavirus Update: United Kingdom Embassy and Consulate to Resume Visa Processing

Coronavirus Update: U.S. Consulates and Embassies to Begin Phased Resumption of Routine Visa Services

ICE Rescinds International Student Visa Policy

Update on USCIS Furlough of Employees

California Sues Trump Administration Over International Student Visa Ban

How can I prove that I was a lead/starring participant in productions or events that have distinguished reputation?

ICE Announces that International Students on F-1 Visas will Lose their Visas if their Coursework is Entirely Online

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